Animal Control

Louisville MetroAll animal control services in Jefferson County are provided by the Louisville Metro Animal Services’ Animal Care Center. This agency enforces all animal control ordinances and responds to calls for assistance and investigation. Metro Animal Services Control Officers investigate over 24,000 complaints in an average year that range from bite cases to severe inhumane treatment.All City of St. Matthews pet owners must comply with the Metro Animal Services ordinances and regulation along with any additional restrictions that the City of St. Matthews has enacted.

ANIMAL; Any living creature, domestic or wild, including livestock, poultry, pet rodents, pet birds, and vermin.

Restraint Required.

LEASH; A cord of sufficient size and strength to control the animal to which it is attached and of no more than ten feet in length. Under no circumstances shall verbal command or electronic command be considered a leash.

Licensed & Vaccinated.All dogs and cats in the city shall be licensed and vaccinated against rabies as required by Louisville Metro Animal Services.

Confinement of Animals When In Heat
Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such manner that such female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding.

Nuisance
No owner shall fail to exercise proper care and control of his animals so as to prevent the following actions: excessive, continuous, or untimely barking or howling; molesting of passersby; chasing of vehicles, including cycles; attacking of domestic animals; trespassing upon school grounds; trespassing upon private property; or damaging of property of any nature.